U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

AQP4 aquaporin 4 [ Homo sapiens (human) ]

Gene ID: 361, updated on 16-Apr-2024

Summary

Go to the top of the page Help
Official Symbol
AQP4provided by HGNC
Official Full Name
aquaporin 4provided by HGNC
Primary source
HGNC:HGNC:637
See related
Ensembl:ENSG00000171885 MIM:600308; AllianceGenome:HGNC:637
Gene type
protein coding
RefSeq status
REVIEWED
Organism
Homo sapiens
Lineage
Eukaryota; Metazoa; Chordata; Craniata; Vertebrata; Euteleostomi; Mammalia; Eutheria; Euarchontoglires; Primates; Haplorrhini; Catarrhini; Hominidae; Homo
Also known as
MIWC; MLC4; WCH4; hAQP4
Summary
This gene encodes a member of the aquaporin family of intrinsic membrane proteins that function as water-selective channels in the plasma membranes of many cells. This protein is the predominant aquaporin found in brain and has an important role in brain water homeostasis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene. Additional isoforms, resulting from the use of alternative in-frame translation initiation codons, have also been described. Recent studies provided evidence for translational readthrough in this gene, and expression of C-terminally extended isoforms via the use of an alternative in-frame translation termination codon. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2018]
Expression
Biased expression in brain (RPKM 248.2) and lung (RPKM 72.5) See more
Orthologs
mouse all
NEW
Try the new Gene table
Try the new Transcript table

Genomic context

Go to the top of the page Help
See AQP4 in Genome Data Viewer
Location:
18q11.2
Exon count:
5
Annotation release Status Assembly Chr Location
RS_2023_10 current GRCh38.p14 (GCF_000001405.40) 18 NC_000018.10 (26852038..26865803, complement)
RS_2023_10 current T2T-CHM13v2.0 (GCF_009914755.1) 18 NC_060942.1 (27046091..27059856, complement)
105.20220307 previous assembly GRCh37.p13 (GCF_000001405.25) 18 NC_000018.9 (24432002..24445767, complement)

Chromosome 18 - NC_000018.10Genomic Context describing neighboring genes Neighboring gene uncharacterized LOC105372035 Neighboring gene ubiquitin recognition factor in ER associated degradation 1 pseudogene Neighboring gene H3K4me1 hESC enhancer GRCh37_chr18:24442920-24443420 Neighboring gene AQP4 antisense RNA 1 Neighboring gene OCT4-NANOG hESC enhancer GRCh37_chr18:24507672-24508283 Neighboring gene carbohydrate sulfotransferase 9 Neighboring gene OCT4-NANOG hESC enhancer GRCh37_chr18:24536524-24537111 Neighboring gene OCT4-NANOG hESC enhancer GRCh37_chr18:24537112-24537698 Neighboring gene ATPase H+ transporting V1 subunit E1 pseudogene 2 Neighboring gene uncharacterized LOC124904275 Neighboring gene ATAC-STARR-seq lymphoblastoid active region 13194 Neighboring gene ATAC-STARR-seq lymphoblastoid active region 13195

Genomic regions, transcripts, and products

Go to the top of the page Help

Go to nucleotide: Graphics FASTA GenBank

Expression

Go to the top of the page Help
  • Project title: HPA RNA-seq normal tissues
  • Description: RNA-seq was performed of tissue samples from 95 human individuals representing 27 different tissues in order to determine tissue-specificity of all protein-coding genes
  • BioProject: PRJEB4337
  • Publication: PMID 24309898
  • Analysis date: Wed Apr 4 07:08:55 2018

Bibliography

Go to the top of the pageHelp

Related articles in PubMed

  1. Aquaporin-4 as a New Potential Molecular Biomarker for Prognosis of Low-Grade Glioma: Comprehensive Analysis Based on Online Platforms. Zhu J, et al. World Neurosurg, 2023 Jul. PMID 37037365
  2. Aquaporin-4 in glymphatic system, and its implication for central nervous system disorders. Peng S, et al. Neurobiol Dis, 2023 Apr. PMID 36796590
  3. Association of AQP4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs335929 and rs2075575) with Parkinson's disease: A case-control study. Sun X, et al. Neurosci Lett, 2023 Feb 16. PMID 36626962
  4. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals changes in glioma-associated macrophage polarization and cellular states of malignant gliomas with high AQP4 expression. Wang R, et al. Cancer Gene Ther, 2023 May. PMID 36599974, Free PMC Article
  5. AQP4, Astrogenesis, and Hydrocephalus: A New Neurological Perspective. Castañeyra-Ruiz L, et al. Int J Mol Sci, 2022 Sep 9. PMID 36142348, Free PMC Article

See all (350) citations in PubMed

GeneRIFs: Gene References Into Functions

What's a GeneRIF?
  1. Differentiated pattern of complement system activation between MOG-IgG-associated disease and AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
    Title: Differentiated pattern of complement system activation between MOG-IgG-associated disease and AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
  2. B cells orchestrate tolerance to the neuromyelitis optica autoantigen AQP4.
    Title: B cells orchestrate tolerance to the neuromyelitis optica autoantigen AQP4.
  3. Aquaporin-4 and Parkinson's Disease.
    Title: Aquaporin-4 and Parkinson's Disease.
  4. Non-coding RNAs and Aquaporin 4: Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Neurological Disorders.
    Title: Non-coding RNAs and Aquaporin 4: Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Neurological Disorders.
  5. Glymphatic system and aquaporin-4 in epilepsy.
    Title: Glymphatic system and aquaporin‑4 in epilepsy.
  6. The Expression and Role of Aquaporin 4 in Colon Cancer.
    Title: The Expression and Role of Aquaporin 4 in Colon Cancer.
  7. Renal dysfunction in AQP4 NMOSD and MS; a potential predictor of relapse and prognosis.
    Title: Renal dysfunction in AQP4 NMOSD and MS; a potential predictor of relapse and prognosis.
  8. Readthrough isoform of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease and other proteinopathies.
    Title: Readthrough isoform of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease and other proteinopathies.
  9. Barriers to access and unmet needs to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders care in an Argentinean cohort.
    Title: Barriers to access and unmet needs to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders care in an Argentinean cohort.
  10. Estimated prevalence of AQP4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG antibody associated disease in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    Title: Estimated prevalence of AQP4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG antibody associated disease in São Paulo, Brazil.
Submit: New GeneRIF Correction See all GeneRIFs (307)

Phenotypes

Go to the top of the page Help

Find tests for this gene in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry (GTR)

Review eQTL and phenotype association data in this region using PheGenI

Associated conditions

Description Tests
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 4, remitting
MedGen: C5830628 OMIM: 620448 GeneReviews: Not available
not available

Variation

Go to the top of the page Help

See variants in ClinVar

See studies and variants in dbVar

See Variation Viewer (GRCh37.p13)

See Variation Viewer (GRCh38)

Genotypes

Pathways from PubChem

Go to the top of the page

Interactions

Go to the top of the page Help
Products Interactant Other Gene Complex Source Pubs Description

General gene information

Go to the top of the page Help

Markers

Homology

Clone Names

  • MGC22454

Gene Ontology Provided by GOA

Function Evidence Code Pubs
enables protein binding IPI
Inferred from Physical Interaction
more info
 PubMed 
enables water channel activity EXP
Inferred from Experiment
more info
 PubMed 
enables water channel activity IBA
Inferred from Biological aspect of Ancestor
more info
  
enables water channel activity IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
enables water channel activity IMP
Inferred from Mutant Phenotype
more info
 PubMed 
Process Evidence Code Pubs
involved_in cellular response to type II interferon IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
involved_in cerebrospinal fluid circulation ISS
Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity
more info
  
involved_in intracellular water homeostasis IMP
Inferred from Mutant Phenotype
more info
 PubMed 
involved_in intracellular water homeostasis ISS
Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity
more info
  
involved_in multicellular organismal-level water homeostasis IEP
Inferred from Expression Pattern
more info
 PubMed 
involved_in multicellular organismal-level water homeostasis ISS
Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity
more info
  
involved_in protein homotetramerization IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
involved_in renal water homeostasis TAS
Traceable Author Statement
more info
  
involved_in transmembrane transport IEA
Inferred from Electronic Annotation
more info
  
involved_in water transport IBA
Inferred from Biological aspect of Ancestor
more info
  
involved_in water transport IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
Component Evidence Code Pubs
located_in astrocyte end-foot ISS
Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity
more info
  
is_active_in basolateral plasma membrane IBA
Inferred from Biological aspect of Ancestor
more info
  
located_in basolateral plasma membrane ISS
Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity
more info
  
located_in cytoplasm IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
located_in endosome membrane IEA
Inferred from Electronic Annotation
more info
  
located_in external side of plasma membrane IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
located_in extracellular region IEA
Inferred from Electronic Annotation
more info
  
is_active_in plasma membrane IBA
Inferred from Biological aspect of Ancestor
more info
  
located_in plasma membrane IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 
located_in plasma membrane TAS
Traceable Author Statement
more info
  
located_in sarcolemma IDA
Inferred from Direct Assay
more info
 PubMed 

General protein information

Go to the top of the page Help
Preferred Names
aquaporin-4
Names
aquaporin type4
mercurial-insensitive water channel

NCBI Reference Sequences (RefSeq)

Go to the top of the page Help

NEW Try the new Transcript table

RefSeqs maintained independently of Annotated Genomes

These reference sequences exist independently of genome builds. Explain

These reference sequences are curated independently of the genome annotation cycle, so their versions may not match the RefSeq versions in the current genome build. Identify version mismatches by comparing the version of the RefSeq in this section to the one reported in Genomic regions, transcripts, and products above.

Genomic

  1. NG_029560.1 RefSeqGene

    Range
    5046..18710
    Download
    GenBank, FASTA, Sequence Viewer (Graphics)

mRNA and Protein(s)

  1. NM_001317384.3 → NP_001304313.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M1x

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (1, also known as hMIWC2) represents the predominant transcript and encodes four isoforms, resulting from the use of two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons and two alternative in-frame translation termination codons. This RefSeq represents the longest, C-terminally extended isoform (M1x, also known as M1ex), which results from the use of the upstream AUG start codon and readthrough of the upstream UGA stop codon to the downstream UAA stop codon. As the UGA stop codon has been reported to specify several alternative amino acids (tryptophan, cysteine, arginine and serine), its location in this isoform is denoted by an 'X'.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, AK222684, BU687682, DA244620, DT220791, HQ901095
    Consensus CDS
    CCDS92445.1
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    A0A5F9ZHR4, Q53H97
    Related
    ENSP00000500598.2, ENST00000672981.2
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:31 → 248
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

  2. NM_001317387.3 → NP_001304316.1  aquaporin-4 isoform delta4

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (3) lacks an in-frame coding exon compared to variant 1, and encodes a shorter isoform (delta4) missing an internal protein segment compared to isoform M1. This isoform exhibits no water transport properties, and downregulates the expression and water channel activity of isoform M1; thus, appears to function as a regulator of water permeability (PMID:24356448).
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, AK222684, BU687682, DA244620, DT220791, HQ901095
    Consensus CDS
    CCDS82244.1
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97, V9PBN7
    Related
    ENSP00000502364.1, ENST00000675739.1
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    cl00200
    Location:31 → 221
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein (MIP) superfamily. Members of the MIP superfamily function as membrane channels that selectively transport water, small neutral molecules, and ions out of and between cells. The channel proteins share a common fold: the N-terminal ...

  3. NM_001364286.1 → NP_001351215.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M23

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (1, also known as hMIWC2) represents the predominant transcript and encodes four isoforms, resulting from the use of two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons and two alternative in-frame translation termination codons. This RefSeq represents isoform M23, which results from the use of the downstream in-frame AUG start codon and the upstream UGA stop codon. Isoform M23 has a shorter N-terminus compared to isoform M1. An alternatively spliced transcript variant (NM_004028.4) encodes the same isoform.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, AK222684, BU687682, DA244620, DT220791, HQ901095
    Consensus CDS
    CCDS58617.1
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:9 → 226
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

  4. NM_001364287.1 → NP_001351216.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M23x

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (1, also known as hMIWC2) represents the predominant transcript and encodes four isoforms, resulting from the use of two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons and two alternative in-frame translation termination codons. This RefSeq represents a C-terminally extended isoform (M23x, also known as M23ex), which results from the use of the downstream in-frame AUG start codon and readthrough of the upstream UGA stop codon to the downstream UAA stop codon. As the UGA stop codon has been reported to specify several alternative amino acids (tryptophan, cysteine, arginine and serine), its location in this isoform is denoted by an 'X'. An alternatively spliced transcript variant (NM_001364289.1) encodes the same isoform.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, AK222684, BU687682, DA244620, DT220791, HQ901095
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:9 → 226
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

  5. NM_001364289.2 → NP_001351218.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M23x

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (2, also known as hMIWC1) is alternatively spliced at the 5' end, which causes translation initiation from an in-frame, downstream start codon, compared to variant 1. Variant 2 encodes two isoforms, resulting from the use of alternative in-frame translation termination codons. The encoded isoform (M23x, also known as M23ex), which results from readthrough of the upstream UGA stop codon to the downstream UAA stop codon, has a shorter N-terminus and a longer C-terminus compared to isoform M1. As the UGA stop codon has been reported to specify several alternative amino acids (tryptophan, cysteine, arginine and serine), its location in isoform M23x is denoted by an 'X'. This isoform is the same as that represented in NM_001364287.1.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, BC030745, HQ901095, U34845
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:9 → 226
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

  6. NM_001650.7 → NP_001641.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M1

    See identical proteins and their annotated locations for NP_001641.1

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (1, also known as hMIWC2) represents the predominant transcript and encodes four isoforms, resulting from the use of two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons and two alternative in-frame translation termination codons. This RefSeq represents isoform M1, which results from the use of the upstream AUG start codon and the upstream UGA stop codon.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, AK222684, BU687682, DA244620, DT220791, HQ901095
    Consensus CDS
    CCDS11889.1
    UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
    P55087, P78564
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    F1DSG4, Q53H97
    Related
    ENSP00000372654.4, ENST00000383168.9
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:31 → 248
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

  7. NM_004028.5 → NP_004019.1  aquaporin-4 isoform M23

    See identical proteins and their annotated locations for NP_004019.1

    Status: REVIEWED

    Description
    Transcript Variant: This variant (2, also known as hMIWC1) is alternatively spliced at the 5' end, which causes translation initiation from an in-frame, downstream start codon, compared to variant 1. Variant 2 encodes two isoforms, resulting from the use of alternative in-frame translation termination codons. The encoded isoform (M23), which results from the use of the upstream UGA stop codon, has a shorter N-terminus compared to isoform M1. This isoform is the same as that represented in NM_001364286.1.
    Source sequence(s)
    AC018371, BC030745, HQ901095, U34845
    Consensus CDS
    CCDS58617.1
    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97
    Related
    ENSP00000462597.1, ENST00000581374.5
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:9 → 226
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

RefSeqs of Annotated Genomes: GCF_000001405.40-RS_2023_10

The following sections contain reference sequences that belong to a specific genome build. Explain

Reference GRCh38.p14 Primary Assembly

Genomic

  1. NC_000018.10 Reference GRCh38.p14 Primary Assembly

    Range
    26852038..26865803 complement
    Download
    GenBank, FASTA, Sequence Viewer (Graphics)

mRNA and Protein(s)

  1. XM_011525942.4 → XP_011524244.1  aquaporin-4 isoform X1

    UniProtKB/TrEMBL
    Q53H97
    Conserved Domains (1) summary
    pfam00230
    Location:24 → 241
    MIP; Major intrinsic protein

Alternate T2T-CHM13v2.0

Genomic

  1. NC_060942.1 Alternate T2T-CHM13v2.0

    Range
    27046091..27059856 complement
    Download
    GenBank, FASTA, Sequence Viewer (Graphics)
Nucleotide Protein
Heading Accession and Version
Protein Accession Links
GenPept Link UniProtKB Link
P55087.2 GenPept UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot:P55087

Gene LinkOut

The following LinkOut resources are supplied by external providers. These providers are responsible for maintaining the links.

Chemical Information
Molecular Biology Databases
Research Materials
Tools
Miscellaneous